Cricket lovers will sit in “pods” for Ashes Test beginning at Adelaide Oval on Thursday

Cricket lovers will be required to check in a designated “pod” in new safety measures for the second Ashes Test, which begins at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday.

Cricket lovers will be required to check-in to designated “pods” in Adelaide Oval’s members area as part of new Covid-19 safety measures for the second Ashes Test.

While South Australian Cricket Association members will have their choice of unreserved seating during the pink ball clash, they must use smartphones to scan into their area via a QR code at the entry of each aisle.

And fans will only be required to rescan if they move to a different seat.

The day-nighter, which kicks off on Thursday, is nearing a sell out with daily crowd capacity capped at 35,000 because of Covid protocols.

All visitors to the ground must show proof of full vaccination before entry and will have to wear a mask at all times, other than when eating or drinking.

Stand-up consumption will also be prohibited in all areas of the stadium, except for fans in pods on the northern hill in front of the old scoreboard.

Katrina Fitzpatrick and Eliza Bartlett can’t wait for the Ashes test to begin at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday. Picture: Morgan Sette

SACA member Eliza Bartlett, 29, hasn’t missed an Adelaide Test during her lifetime, said she was supportive of all Covid measures to ensure the event could go ahead.

“There’s nothing like the Oval Test and the members area, it’s still by far the best atmosphere for a cricket match in the world. I’m all for anything that can keep us safe in this environment and make sure we can still attend the cricket,” she said.

Last year for the first time in its history, the members enclosure was open to the public for the Australia and India Test match, in an effort to reduce queuing at crossover points.

This year, the members area is back, including the strict dress code, requiring men to wear a shirt with a collar and enclosed shoes, and banning too-short skirts and exposed midriffs.

The Village Green section, behind the western grandstand, will return with its popular Pimms Bar, Sails Bar and other food and beverage options, along with the pop-up hospitality areas introduced last year on the Lyn Fullston Lawns.

Adelaide Oval under lights. Picture: David Mariuz

Acting SACA chief executive Jodie Newton described the Adelaide Test as an “iconic global event”.

“It’s hard to beat long summer evenings watching the cricket at our beautiful ground or socialising with friends in the Village Green,” she said.

Adelaide Oval chief operating officer Adam Vonthethoff was looking forward to welcoming cricket fans for the Test match.

“Our staff have been working hard to deliver a world-class event that is as safe and enjoyable as possible, and we can’t wait to get under way,” he said.

ASHES TEST AT THE ADELAIDE OVAL – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

WHERE CAN I BUY TICKETS?
Tickets are still available at a limited capacity from Ticketek: premier.ticketek.com.au

WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE?
Gates open at noon each day, with the day’s play starting at 2.30pm. Allow some extra time to arrive as social distancing and COVID-Safe check-in measures will be in place. 

WHAT ARE THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPTIONS?
Adelaide Metro will run free bus, train and tram services to the Oval each day from 10am for those with a valid match day ticket. Route maps can be found on the Adelaide Metro website. Remember to show your ticket when boarding to redeem free entry. 

CAN I PARK AT THE OVAL?
Parking at the Oval is available through the Wilson parking website. The carpark opens at 11am throughout the four days. 

WHAT ARE THE COVID MEASURES IN PLACE?
Adelaide Oval is a double Covid-19 vaccination-only venue, with all patrons aged 12 and over required to show proof of double vaccination. 
You may be asked to show your Covid-19 Digital Certificate via your smart phone on entry, as well as at random checks by staff throughout the venue. Or, a printed immunisation history statement and valid ID will be accepted. 
Those with an official medical exemption will need to show their certificate of exemption and provide a recent negative test result no older than 72 hours. 
Make sure you bring your own mask to wear at all times, including when seated, except when eating or drinking (not required for patrons under 12 years of age). 

WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?
The usual stadium dress code applies for SACA members including a shirt with a collar and enclosed shoes for men, and up-market casual dresses and not-too-short skirts for women They are listed in detail on the SACA website. 

WILL DRINK AND FOOD VENDORS BE OPEN?
Oval food and drink outlets will serve up the usual stadium favourites. Food and drink will have to be taken back to your seat to consume. 

CAN I PAY BY CASH?
There will be no cash payments available. The Oval is card only.

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